Anani Jérôme Houngue | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr Anani Jérôme Houngue | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant at University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin

Dr. Jérôme Anani HOUNGUE is a Beninese scientist born on September 23, 1986. He holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and Plant Virology, awarded with First Class Honors, from the University of Abomey-Calavi. His doctoral research focused on the Epidemiology of Cassava Mosaic Disease and the contribution of plant biotechnology in its management in Benin.

 

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

🎓 Education

Ph.D (Biotechnology and Plant Virology), University of Abomey-Calavi, 2020 Thesis: Epidemiology of Cassava mosaic disease and contribution of plant biotechnology in their management in Benin. First Class Honours Master (Genetics, Biotechnology, and Living Resources), University of Abomey-Calavi, 2013 Thesis: Optimization of in vitro healthy planting material production in cassava and yam in Benin. Upper Second Class Honours Bachelor (Natural Sciences), University of Abomey-Calavi, 2009 Lower Second Class Honours

🧪 Research Experience

Post-doctoral Researcher, University of Abomey-Calavi, 02/03/2020 – 23/12/2023 Led national awareness campaigns on plant virus diseases. Designed national riposte plans against cassava viral diseases. Trained farmers on virus disease management. Conducted field surveys on cassava virus diseases. Research Assistant, University of Abomey-Calavi, 2013 – 2020 Coordinated root & tubers planting material production activities. Presented half-yearly and annual activity reports.

🌐 Research Projects

West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE 1), Mar 2014 – Feb 2020 Project Assistant, Bill and Melinda Gates & DFID. Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE 2), Feb 2020 – Dec 2023 Post-doctoral Researcher, Bill and Melinda Gates & DFID, European Union.

 

Research Focus 🌱🔬:

Dr. HOUNGUE’s research encompasses the dynamic intersection of plant biotechnology and epidemiology. His work dives into optimizing in vitro organogenesis in cassava, as seen in his paper on explant types and cytokinins. Additionally, his contributions extend to pineapple regeneration through indirect organogenesis. He actively engages in epidemiological studies, evident in his comprehensive data on cassava mosaic disease in Benin. His dedication to economic crops is demonstrated in in vitro callus and embryo induction in Anacardium occidentale. With a focus on cassava mosaic disease, his research has a significant impact on crop protection and agricultural sustainability. 🌾👨‍🔬 #PlantBiotech #Epidemiology #CropProtection #ResearchFocus

 

Publications Top Notes:

🌾🔍 Dr. Jérôme Anani HOUNGUE’s Notable Research Publications 📑👨‍🔬

  1. Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) in Benin: Incidence, Severity, and Whitefly Abundance (2022)
    • Crop Protection, 2022, 158, 106007
    • Investigates CMD in Benin through field surveys in 2020, examining incidence, severity, and whitefly abundance. This study contributes crucial insights into managing CMD.
  2. Somatic Embryogenesis in Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale L.)
    • Commercial Scale Tissue Culture for Horticulture and Plantation Crops, 2022, pp. 173–195
    • A book chapter exploring somatic embryogenesis in cashew, emphasizing its importance for commercial-scale tissue culture in horticulture.
  3. In vitro Propagation of Mosaic Disease-Resistant Cassava Cultivars (BMC Biotechnology, 2020)
    • BMC Biotechnology, 2020, 20(1), 51
    • Focuses on the in vitro propagation of three mosaic disease-resistant cassava cultivars, offering insights into biotechnological methods for cultivating resistant varieties.
  4. Response of Cassava Cultivars to African Cassava Mosaic Virus Infection (PLoS ONE, 2019)
    • PLoS ONE, 2019, 14(12), e0226783
    • Investigates the response of cassava cultivars to African Cassava Mosaic Virus infection, examining various inoculum doses and plant ages.
  5. Evaluation of Resistance to Cassava Mosaic Disease (Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 2019)
    • Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 2019, 105, pp. 47–53
    • Evaluates resistance to cassava mosaic disease in selected African cassava cultivars, utilizing combined molecular and greenhouse grafting tools.

Dr. HOUNGUE’s impactful research spans cassava disease management, somatic embryogenesis, and farmers’ knowledge, contributing significantly to agricultural science. 🌱📊 #CassavaResearch #PlantDisease #Biotechnology #AgriculturalScience

 

 

 

 

Hafiza Farhat | Plant disease | Young Scientist Award

Assist Prof Dr Hafiza Farhat: Plant disease | Young Scientist Award

Assistant Professor at  Gomal University DI Khan kpk Pakistan

Dr. Hafiza Farhat Mutalib is an Assistant Professor at Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, specializing in Botany with a focus on Mycology and Plant Pathology. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Karachi, where she conducted research on antibiotics-producing endophytic fungi associated with healthy plants. Dr. Mutalib has a distinguished academic record, earning a Gold Medal in both her M.Sc. and Ph.D. studies.

 

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

🎓 Distinctions:

  • Gold medalist in M.Sc.
  • Certificate of Merit for Plant Pathology
  • Recognized reviewer for Journal of Plant Sciences

👩‍🏫 Professional Experience:

Assistant Professor at Gomal University since October 2020. Teaching Assistant at University of Karachi (2016-2019) Holds various roles at Gomal University including Focal Person, Internal Controller, and Warden

🔬 Research Interests:

Phytopathology, Molecular Mycology, Fungal Diseases Management, Drug Characterization from Microbes, Soil Biology, Plants Microbes’ Interaction, Bacteriology, Mycorrhiza, and Biological Control

📜 Notable Presentations:

  • Evaluation of antibacterial potential of endophytic fungi at international conferences
  • Poster presentation on efficacy of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria

Research Focus 🌱🔬:

Dr. Hafiza Farhat Mutalib’s research primarily focuses on the exploration of endophytic fungi for plant disease management and the enhancement of systemic resistance in crops. Her investigations encompass the GC-MS metabolic profiling of various fungal species, such as Chaetomium sp., Talaromyces assiutensis, Fusarium solani, and Talaromyces trachyspermus. Through publications in journals like Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, Current Microbiology, and South African Journal of Botany, she delves into the biological control potential of these fungi and evaluates their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Dr. Farhat’s interdisciplinary work contributes valuable insights to phytopathology, molecular mycology, and sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Publications Top Notes: